Glossary - High-Risk Pregnancy

Alpha-fetoprotein-a protein produced by the fetus that is excreted into the amniotic fluid. Abnormal levels of alpha-fetoprotein may indicate brain or spinal cord defects, multiple fetuses, a miscalculated due date, or chromosomal disorders.

Amniocentesis-a test performed to determine chromosomal and genetic disorders and certain birth defects. The test involves inserting a needle through the abdominal and uterine wall into the amniotic sac to retrieve a sample of amniotic fluid.

Amniotic sac-a thin-walled sac that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy. The sac is filled with amniotic fluid - liquid made by the fetus and the amnion (the membrane that covers the fetal side of the placenta) which protects the fetus from injury and helps to regulate the temperature of the fetus.

Fetal fibronectin (FFN)-a protein that helps "glue together" the tissues of the placenta.

Fetal heart rate monitoring-a method of checking the rate and rhythm of the fetal heartbeat.

Fetus-an unborn baby from the eighth week after fertilization until delivery.

Folic acid-a nutrient found in some green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, citrus fruits, fortified breakfast cereals, and some vitamin supplements. Folic acid can help reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord.

Maternal-fetal medicine (also called perinatology)-a specialized field of medical practice within obstetrics/gynecology that manages high-risk pregnancies related to a condition of either the mother or the fetus.

Patent ductus arteriosus-condition in which the connecting blood vessel between the pulmonary artery and the aorta in fetal circulation stays open in the newborn.

Perinatology (also called maternal-fetal medicine)-a specialized field of medical practice within obstetrics/gynecology that manages high-risk pregnancies related to a condition of either the mother or the fetus.

Placenta-an organ, shaped like a flat cake, that only grows during pregnancy and provides a metabolic interchange between the fetus and mother. (The fetus takes in oxygen, food, and other substances and eliminates carbon dioxide and other wastes.)

Placenta previa-placenta is attached close to or covering the cervix (opening into the uterus).

Placental abruption-early detachment of the placenta from the uterus.

Postpartum-after delivery.

Preeclampsia-a pregnancy condition characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling (edema) due to fluid retention.

Ultrasound-a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the fetus' body and organs and the surrounding tissues.

Uterine wall-the wall of the uterus.

Uterus (also called the womb)-a hollow, pear-shaped organ located in a woman's lower abdomen, between the bladder and the rectum, that sheds its lining each month during menstruation and in which a fertilized egg (ovum) becomes implanted and the fetus develops.